Evaluating the Impact of a Consolidated Health Care System on Low-Income Patients in Connecticut

Hospitals around the country are adopting new practices and joining hospital systems. While some states have had a relatively mild rate of consolidation, others, like Connecticut, have become heavily dependent on a bifurcated hospital system. Previous papers have mainly considered prices of treatments and availability of care to the broad population. This research paper explores the ability of a consolidated health system to treat and meet UNESCO defined standards for social responsibility in the healthcare sector, particularly for low-income patients. Based on the findings in Connecticut’s New London county, this paper finds that it is possible for a place with a heavily consolidated health system to not only meet UNESCO defined standards, but also to provide high levels of medical care and a variety of services to low income patients.